The Clifton Institute

Butterfly Identification Workshop
2022-07-16 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us to learn about butterfly identification and biology. Bert Harris will give a presentation on the identification of common butterflies in our area. We will then take a walk around the field station to look for butterflies (and perhaps some dragonflies as well :). All skill levels welcome!

Cost: Free!

Age: This program is intended for an adult audience. Interested children accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend.

Bring: We recommend wearing long pants and a broad-brimmed hat. Binoculars are essential. We have a few spare pairs.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Walk With A Naturalist
2022-07-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-06-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-05-21 13:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a walk on our trails with one our naturalists.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, binoculars.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Volunteer Day: Plant Propagation
2022-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Summer is upon us, and there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, a water bottle, and garden gloves (if you have them).
Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

Bird Walk
2022-07-13 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-06-25 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-06-08 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-05-28 07:00 - 09:00, 2022-05-11 07:00 - 09:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Novice and experienced birders will enjoy this guided 1-2 mile hike to look for the many species of birds that can be found on the field station. We will explore successional fields, meadows, lake edges, and forest. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children 12 and up, accompanied by an adult
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Volunteer Day: Storm Damage Repair
2022-07-09 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We have a lot of trees down throughout the property, and need help getting them cleaned up. Bring good work clothes, including gloves and sturdy boots, and plenty of water. Additional equipment, including chainsaws, handsaws, loppers, or clippers are also welcome.
Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.

Young Scientists Research Experience
2022-06-27 - 2022-07-01 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
During this unique experience, students will explore and carry out their own research project. Young Scientists will engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning as they develop their own research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their results, all under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This opportunity is perfect for middle and high school students with an interest in the environmental and natural sciences and the desire to experience ecological fieldwork. We welcome motivated students who are excited to spend the week at our beautiful, 900-acre field station in the northern Virginia Piedmont in the company of like-minded peers.
Example research questions include:

How does road noise affect the singing of birds, frogs, and other animals?
Where on the field station is there the most evidence of deer and other mammals?
Are there more insects on plants that are native to Virginia or on exotic plants?

Ages: 13-18 at the time of camp.
Cost: $350. Please note that the ticket will appear as “Free” until registration opens.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a full refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork: Within 3 days of registration, you will be emailed liability, medical, and emergency contact forms to be filled out and returned by April 15, 2022. If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan! Please send it to camps@cliftoninstitute.org upon completion!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, in addition to being up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Mask Policy: All campers and staff are required to have a mask with them at all times. We enforce mask wearing when social distancing is not possible and if inside due to inclement weather.
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out this Scholarship Application Form and email a completed copy (or photo of it) to camps@cliftoninstitute.org before registering so that we can ensure you are not charged full price.

Second Annual Dragonfly Count
2022-06-26 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
LAST MINUTE REGISTRATION: Contact Bert at bharris@cliftoninstitute.org if you’d like to join the count.
Join us for our second annual Dragonfly Count! Our goals are to learn which species of dragonflies and damselflies are found in our area, to monitor changes in their populations, and to encourage everyone to learn more about Odonates.
The map of the count circle is here. The circle includes a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including a sphagnum bog, fish-free marshes, lakes with abundant lily pads, and a variety of clean streams and rivers that range from tiny seeps all the way up to the Rappahannock River. This interesting area has not received as much study as nearby northern Virginia, but 72 species of dragonflies and damselflies have already been documented inside the circle. In 2021, we found 51 species of dragonflies and damselflies, including Sphagnum Sprite, Appalachian Jewelwing, three species of spreadwings, Gray Petaltail, Comet Darner, Yellow-sided Skimmer, and probable Rapids Clubtail. Who knows what else we’ll find this year!
We will divide the circle up into several areas, which teams of people will cover, similar to a Christmas Bird Count or NABA butterfly count. We will let you know where to meet closer to the date. The count is open to people of all experience levels. We welcome dragonfly experts as well as anyone who is interested in learning about these fascinating insects.
This event is free but registration is required. Email Bert Harris (bharris@cliftoninstitute.org) with any questions or if you would like to lead one of the teams.
Please let us know if you live inside the count circle and you have a fish-free pond or marsh or a pond with lily pads or other emergent aquatic vegetation on your property that you would like to be included in the count.
Ages: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
What to wear: It will be hot and we’ll be spending time near or in the water. Shorts and sturdy sandals or rubber boots are usually best, but long pants can come in handy as well.
What to bring: Sunscreen, sun hat, binoculars, camera, insect net, plenty of water.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors. We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during bad weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.
We are partnering with the Fauquier County Parks and Recreation Department, Goose Creek Association, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and White House Farm Foundation on this event.

Native Garden Tour
2022-06-25 09:00 - 12:30 | Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility, 800 Waterloo Rd., Warrenton, 20186
Join us for a tour of native gardens of various sizes and styles around Warrenton. We hope that seeing these gardens will give you some inspiration of what and how to plant natives in your garden and there will be experts available to answer any questions about choosing, sourcing, and establishing native plants. We are pleased to be working with partners at Fauquier County Parks & Recreation, The Piedmont Environmental Council, and The Warrenton Garden Club on this program. The tour will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the WARF and then proceed to the Piedmont Environmental Council offices before concluding at the Clifton Institute. Parking will be limited so please carpool if possible.
Cost: Free!
Age: This program is intended for an adult audience. Interested children accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Bobolink Walk
2022-06-23 07:30 - 09:30 | 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for a visit to an active Bobolink nesting colony! Bobolinks are unique and beautiful birds that select hay fields for nesting. Sadly, they are declining as a result of nest losses from cutting the hay early in the summer. We should enjoy views of adults and fledglings and hear their wonderful song that is reminiscent of R2-D2. The private property we will visit still hosts these wonderful birds because the owners delay haying until the Bobolinks have finished nesting. We should also see a variety of other breeding birds such as Purple Martins, Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Blue Grosbeaks. Photos by Amy Johnson.
Location: The event will take place on a private property near Upperville in northern Fauquier County. Directions will be provided to registered participants.
Cost: Free
Ages: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
What to bring: We recommend wearing long pants and boots to protect yourself from ticks and a broad-brimmed hat. We also recommend bringing binoculars and a camera.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for an update on the afternoon before.
COVID-19 information: Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

Piedmont Polliwogs Camp
2022-06-20 - 2022-06-24 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
During Piedmont Polliwogs camp, your early learner will explore and engage with nature on our beautiful 900-acre field station. We aim to inspire feelings of curiosity and wonder for the natural world, while promoting healthy minds and bodies as children play and learn outside. A typical morning will include an outdoor story time, a short nature walk, snack time (please bring snack from home), and a craft project or related activity. A camp day will run from 9am to 12pm. Students in Piedmont Polliwogs Camp must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Ages: 4-6 at the time of camp.
Cost: $95.00. Please note that the ticket will appear as “Free” until registration opens.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a full refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork: Within 3 days of registration, you will be emailed liability, medical, and emergency contact forms to be filled out and returned by April 15, 2022. If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan! Please send it to camps@cliftoninstitute.org upon completion!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, in addition to being up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Mask Policy: All campers and staff are required to have a mask with them at all times. We enforce mask wearing when social distancing is not possible and if inside due to inclement weather.
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out this Scholarship Application Form and email a completed copy (or photo of it) to camps@cliftoninstitute.org before registering so that we can ensure you are not charged full price.

Dragonfly Identification Workshop
2022-06-18 11:00 - 13:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most mysterious and beautiful animals that live at the Clifton Institute, and June is the perfect time to search for them. Join us for a workshop that will cover the basics of dragonfly identification and biology. We will then practice what we learned by visiting lakes, streams, and fish-free vernal pools, each of which host distinct dragonfly communities. You are welcome to bring a lunch and eat on our picnic tables after the program.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Bring: We recommend wearing waterproof shoes and a broad-brimmed hat. We also recommend bringing binoculars, a camera, and an insect net if you have one.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the day before the event.

COVID-19 Information: Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Volunteer Day: Plant Propagation
2022-06-18 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Summer is upon us, and there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, bug spray, and good working gloves.

Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Common Plant Family Identification Workshop
2022-06-16 18:00 - 19:30 | 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
If you’re learning to identify plants, learning the common families can really help narrow down your options when you’re faced with an unfamiliar specimen. If you already know a few plants, learning their families can provide a useful framework to help organize all the species rattling around in your brain. Whatever level you’re at, learning to identify the plant families around us is a really fun way to get to know the natural world. In this program, Managing Director Eleanor Harris will give a brief talk on the ways to identify the most common plant families in Virginia. Then she will lead a short walk in our fields to practice our plant family identification skills. We know it’s a slightly awkward time of day; if you’d like to bring dinner and eat during the talk you are welcome to.

Cost: Free!

Age: This program is intended for an adult audience. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend.

Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).

COVID-19 Information: This program will include an indoor presentation. We are requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated. We will ask to see vaccination cards. At the moment, we are not planning on requiring masks inside; however, we will monitor the situation and update participants if that changes before June 16. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Volunteer Day: Trail Construction
2022-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We love adding to our trail system and exploring new parts of the property! Come help us finish our Far Woods trail. Make sure to wear good shoes and work clothes, and bring loppers, clippers, and work gloves if you have them.

Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Volunteer Day: Plant Propagation
2022-05-28 09:30 - 12:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
It’s officially spring, and that means there is a lot to do in our gardens and greenhouse. Help us weed, re-pot, plant, and organize our native plants. All you need to bring is sunscreen, bug spray, and good working gloves.

Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Volunteer Day: Trail Sign Installation
2022-05-21 09:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Help us finish installing our trail signs! We may also do some light trail maintenance. Please wear good sturdy shoes, and bring shovels and work gloves if you have them.

Age: Adults only and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED so that we can communicate with you in case of changes.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Froggy Friday
2022-05-20 20:00 - 21:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Join us for an exploration of our trails and vernal pools while we listen for frog calls and look for breeding activity and salamander egg masses.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Please bring a flashlight and waterproof shoes if you have them.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Box Turtle Community Science Survey
2022-05-18 09:00 - 15:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
We are starting a research project study box turtles. We want to know what habitats they use, what time of year they’re most active, how big their territories are and how much overlap neighboring territories have, and most importantly what we can do to help conserve this long-lived species. To start, we need to have a better idea of how many box turtles there are on our property and where we can find them. And we need your help! In late May or early June, we are going to wait for rainy weather and spend a day walking all of our trails looking for box turtles. We’ll divide into teams to cover more ground and the more eyes the better! No experience needed, but we will be walking on uneven and potentially steep trails.
We put May 18 as the date as we expect that will be the earliest possible survey date, but we will wait for the right weather and email registrants with more information.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.

Bring: Please bring lunch, snacks, and water. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and a hat.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Native Plant Sale
2022-05-15 11:00 - 14:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Native plants provide better food for insects, which in turn provide food for birds. You can make a huge difference for wildlife by planting native species on your property. Since fall 2019 we have been collecting seeds of native grassland plants from around the area, which means in addition to being native they are of local ecotypes. We will be selling seedlings grown from these seeds as well as commercially propagated seeds of native species to include a variety of perennial wildflowers for wet-dry areas and full sun-shade; native grasses; and a few trees. Some of our favorites include butterflyweed, upland ironweed, scaly blazing star, narrow-leaf mountain-mint, and gray goldenrod. You can find a list of the species that will be for sale here. We will accept credit card, cash, or checks made out to the Clifton Institute. We hope to see you there!

Nature Journaling Meetup and Walk POSTPONED FROM MAY 7
2022-05-14 13:00 - 15:30 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Please note: this event is the one that was postponed from May 7. No need to re-register if you were already registered. But if you weren’t you can sign up now!
From Co-Director Eleanor Harris: Nature journaling is my favorite hobby, a great way to spend time outside, and a powerful tool for learning about nature. I want to help develop the community of nature journalers in our area and to encourage more people to start their own nature journals. Whether you have been nature journaling for years or have never nature journaled before but want to try it out, this event is for you! I’ll give a very brief introduction to nature journaling before we go for a walk on our beautiful 900-acre property. On the walk we’ll stop and journal about whatever we find. May is a wonderful to see flowers, insects, amphibians, and more and I hope this will become a quarterly program so you can come back and see what every season has to offer.
Cost: Free!
Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult. Adults will be responsible for monitoring their children, but we would love to have all ages of nature lovers attend.
Bring: Please bring a journal and art supplies. Just a piece of paper and pencil will be enough.
Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Family Nature Walk
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Families with children in grades K-8 are invited to come along as we explore the field station and experience autumn in Virginia. We’ll explore the woods to look for changes in the landscape and migrating birds. This program is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore nature together. We pick a different trail to explore each month and usually move slowly as we stop often to look at and learn about the plants and animals that live in Northern Virginia.
Cost: Free!
Age: Families with children in grades K-8
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.
Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Piedmont Polliwogs
2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Piedmont Polliwogs is a monthly pre-K program that includes an outdoor story time and short nature walk.

Cost: Free!
Age: Children ages 2-5, accompanied by a caregiver
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall). Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.
What to wear: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
What to bring: Blanket to sit on, hat, bottle of water.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).

Tree Wrapping for Beavers: Workshop and Volunteer Day
2022-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
During this workshop and volunteer day, join Alison Zak, M.A., founder of the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund, to learn about the importance of coexisting with beavers and how to protect your favorite trees from being chewed down. After a brief talk, you’ll get hands-on experience wrapping trees using HBCF’s recommended methods.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children ages 12 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Bring: Please bring your own work gloves if you have them.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

City Nature Challenge
2022-04-30 10:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Every year the community science platform iNaturalist organizes the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition between cities all over the world to see who can find the most species, make the most observations, and involve the most people in community science. This year the Challenge will take place from April 29 to May 2, but we’ll be focusing our efforts on April 30 and contributing our observations to the Washington, DC Metro Area team.
On April 30 from 10AM to 4PM, we will have tables where you can learn how to use iNaturalist, get a map to your very own little patch of the property to survey and photograph, see examples of a few common species, and play a game to practice using a dichotomous key. The only thing you need in order to participate is a camera or phone and a willingness to slow down and look closely. (It would help to download the iNaturalist app before you arrive.) Don’t worry about identifying all of the plants, animals, and fungi you photograph! iNaturalist will help you make a good guess and nerds from around the world (or here at Clifton) will identify them the following week.
Here at the Clifton Institute we use iNaturalist every day to keep track of what we find on our property. The current count is a whopping 2,127 species! This is a great way for families and adults alike to help us grow that number, spend some time outside during a beautiful time of year, and learn about Virginia’s plants and animals.

Cost: Free!

Age: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Bring: Please bring your smartphone or a camera.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check our Facebook page on the morning of the event in case of inclement weather.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

By attending this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to our liability release policy.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!
